Panama Canal Appoints New Deputy Administrator

Panama Canal Appoints New Deputy Administrator

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Board of Directors announced the appointment of engineer Manuel Benítez as the new Deputy Administrator of this entity, beginning on September 4, 2012.

The Board of Directors considers that Benítez´experience and knowledge will contribute to the management of the Panama Canal, as the waterway faces new challenges while maintaining its competitiveness as an international commercial route,” said Canal Affairs Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Roberto Roy.

The new Deputy Administrator began his career at the Panama Canal in 1978 as an Apprentice of Precision Instrument Mechanics. In 1986, after earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Electromechanical Engineering from the Technological University of Panama, he was selected for the position of Electrical Engineering Technician. Mr. Benítez completed the Executive Development Program at the Cornell University Johnson Graduate School of Management and has complemented his formal academic studies by attendance at professional seminars in different fields, including a wide range of maritime-related fields.

For his outstanding professional performance, in 1997 he was promoted to Manager of the Electrical Division. In 2001, Benítez was appointed Industrial Services Director, a position in which he served until August 30, 2004, when the Board of Directors selected him as acting Deputy Administrator on September 1, 2004.

In March 2007, Benítez was appointed Executive Vice President of Operations responsible for all maritime operations, the Canal’s security, emergency response, dredging operations, and maintenance of the Canal’s infrastructures, floating and rolling equipment.

[mappress]

Press Release, September 3, 2012